Undergraduate Bulletin
Fall 2024
Department Information - Computer Science (CSE)
Computer science is the study of computer systems, including the architecture of computers, development of computer software, information processing, computer applications, algorithmic problem-solving, and the mathematical foundations of the discipline.
The Computer Science major provides professional education in computer science to prepare the student for graduate study or for a career in the computing field. Students learn concepts and skills needed for designing, programming, and applying computer systems while also learning the theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science. They have sufficient freedom in the program to pursue other academic interests in the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering to complement their study of computer science. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Many students prepare for their professional careers through internships at local companies. Computer science graduates are recruited heavily, and career opportunities include developing software systems for a diverse range of applications such as: user interfaces; networks; databases; forecasting; web technologies; and medical, communications, satellite, and embedded systems. Many are employed in the telecommunication and financial industries, and some are self-employed as heads of software consulting companies.
The Department of Computer Science offers two undergraduate majors: Computer Science and Information Systems. Requirements and courses for the latter appear under the program title in the alphabetical listings of Approved Majors, Minors, and Programs. The two programs of study share a number of courses, particularly in the first two years, so that it is possible to follow a program that permits a student to select either major by the start of the junior year. The Department also offers a minor in computer science, a joint B.S./M.S. program, and an honors program.
Program Educational Objectives
The graduates of the computer science program will, within 3-5 years after graduation:
- Establish themselves as practicing professionals or engage in advanced study and
- Advance professionally through organized training or self-learning.
Student Outcomes
The students will demonstrate the following:
1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Computing Facilities
Computing facilities for undergraduates are maintained by both the University Computing Center and the Department of Computer Science. For a description of the computing services provided by the University Computing Center, see the Student Services section of this Bulletin.
The Department of Computer Science provides additional laboratories to support undergraduate instruction and research. The laboratory facilities are regularly upgraded to keep pace with advances in technology. Current computing facilities include the Computer Science Undergraduate Computing Laboratory; the Programming Techniques Teaching Laboratory with facilities for classroom instruction; the Computer Associates Transactions Laboratory, used primarily for upper-level courses on databases, transaction processes, and Web applications; the Computer Science Advanced Programming Laboratory, also donated by Computer Associates, Inc., which provides computing support for upper-level courses on such topics as operating systems and user interfaces; and the Computer Science Multimedia Laboratory, used for courses on multimedia design. Most of the laboratories are connected to the Internet via the campus network and are easily accessible by students from campus residences or from off-campus via modem.
The Departmental research laboratories are available to undergraduate students working on supervised projects with computer science faculty.
